Head of School Message

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Arthur J. Epstein, this fall we will open our doors as Epstein Hillel School. While we have a new name, our values and high standards remain the same. Our students enjoy cutting edge technology to enhance teaching and learning, while also studying ancient texts and learning with and from one another in chevruta, traditional partner style learning.

Learning through doing – experiential education where collaboration and problem-solving are at the heart of our curriculum. Students work with partners and in small groups to stretch their thinking and grow their interpersonal skills. They have opportunities to program robots and build prototypes with 3-D printers, while also using iPads to create, document and explore. Flexibility, resilience, and empathy are on the curriculum map too, along with algebra, Hebrew, Shakespeare, and debate. We continue to be focused on ways to make Jewish values come to life through an integrated curriculum in the classroom and opportunities for gemilut chasidim (acts of loving kindness) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) in our community. Our whole school comes together for holiday celebrations and a weekly kabbalat shabbat experience in which we joyfully celebrate these moments with ruach (spirit) led by our charismatic song leader.

The Gemara teaches, “a person can only learn from where his heart desires.” At Epstein Hillel, everyone in our community teaches with heart, and from the heart, so that our students are curious and inspired to engage with the curriculum, with each other, and with the world around them.

העיקר (Ha’Ikar) is the name of the periodic letter to the community from Amy Gold, in which she writes about topics important to our school.

Ikar is a tough word to translate; it can mean the essence, the gist, the heart of the matter. Maybe you know this word from the verse, “Kol ha-olam kulo, gesher tzar me’od, ha-Ikar, lo lifached klal: all the world is a narrow bridge, the most important thing is not to be afraid.” (Rabbi Nachman of Breslav)

About Us

EPSTEIN HILLEL SCHOOL, formerly Cohen Hillel Academy, provides the finest in K-8 education grounded in Judaism. Our faculty teach a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum that fosters critical thinking, curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Relationships are at the heart of the school, and the teachers help students meet their full potential in a close-knit and compassionate community. Epstein Hillel graduates are known for their academic achievement, strong Jewish identity, confidence, intellect, and sound moral compass.Read more >>